Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Miranda Alexander-Webber, United Nations Information Centre for Western Europe
© UN/Sh. Ottway
UN Secretary-General António Guterres (right) meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 17, 2026 Climate and environment
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Austrian city of Graz announced the first results of an experiment to sterilize male mosquitoes. This technique could form the basis of a pest control strategy that involves the safe mass breeding and sterilization of insects using radiation.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the "tiger mosquito," was first detected in Austria in 2012 and has since spread to all federal states. Graz has seen particularly high mosquito populations in recent years. In response to the growing number of complaints and the increasing risk of arboviruses spreading across Europe, the city of Graz requested support from the Vienna-based IAEA to initiate a study using the MRR method.
MRR research involves releasing and recapturing a certain number of already marked – covered with colored powder – sterile male mosquitoes in a defined area to study the behavior of the local population.
Over the course of seven weeks in August and September last year, over 800,000 sterile mosquitoes were released into a 15-hectare area in a garden district in southern Graz. These males were sterilized by radiation, meaning that successful mating with wild females would not produce offspring.
Mosquito populations, including invasive species like Aedes albopictus, are rapidly expanding across Europe and globally due to changing weather patterns, urbanization, and increased international trade. Warmer weather and changing rainfall patterns are creating favorable breeding conditions, allowing species previously restricted to the tropics to establish themselves in temperate latitudes. This expanding range poses increasing public health challenges, as mosquitoes transmit dangerous diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and the Zika virus.
Analysis of data from recaptured mosquitoes in a study conducted jointly by the City of Graz and the IAEA provides key scientific information on the size of the wild mosquito population, the range of sterile males, their survival in the wild, and their competitiveness during mating.
"These preliminary results provide us with a basis for determining the optimal implementation of the sterile insect technique in Graz," said Hanano Yamada, an entomologist at the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. "This information is essential for determining the scale, frequency, and geographic coverage of future releases of sterile mosquitoes for pest control."
Preliminary results of the study demonstrated the high effectiveness of the method. The egg sterility rate was approximately 70 percent, and the number of females captured in traps significantly decreased over the study period compared to a neighboring untreated plot. This demonstrates that sterile males successfully compete with wild mosquitoes and that their release can significantly reduce mosquito populations in densely populated urban areas.
Based on the results obtained, the City of Graz and the IAEA are preparing recommendations for next steps for the 2026 mosquito breeding season.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 16, 2026 Peace and security
UN peacekeeping operations in the Middle East are facing growing security threats, financial difficulties, and political uncertainty, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said on Friday.
Speaking to journalists via video link from Jeddah after an extended visit to the region, Lacroix reported an increase in the number of dangerous incidents involving peacekeepers and emphasized the precarious conditions in which missions operate. He added that despite the increasingly challenging situation on the ground, UN peacekeepers continue to carry out their duties.
Speaking about the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lacroix emphasized that the mission will continue its work until at least the end of December 2026.
UNIFIL remains focused on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and facilitating the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in 2006, he said.
He also welcomed recent government announcements of progress in establishing operational control in the south of the country, while acknowledging that "much remains to be done."
At the same time, Lacroix expressed serious concern about the increasing number of incidents affecting UN peacekeepers, especially those involving the Israel Defense Forces.
"The frequency of these incidents has been quite high – and it continues to increase," he said, warning that several clashes "could have led to extremely tragic consequences" for peacekeepers.
He said he had raised the issue with Israeli officials, stressing that "no one is interested in putting the lives of peacekeepers at risk" and reminding all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel.
Lacroix also described the widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, where entire villages have been devastated and civilians are still unable to return to their homes. He said this undermines the region's prospects for recovery and reconstruction.
Beyond security threats, Lacroix highlighted the impact of funding shortfalls on peacekeeping operations. He noted that UNIFIL and other missions were forced to implement cost-cutting plans due to late payment of contributions by some UN member states.
He also praised the peacekeepers' ability to adapt to challenging conditions, saying they had managed to "mitigate the impact" of financial constraints through innovative solutions and operational adjustments.
Speaking about the situation in Syria, Lacroix said that the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continues to carry out its mandate with the active support of both the Security Council and the Syrian authorities.
However, he noted that the situation on the ground had changed significantly since Israeli troops took up positions in the separation zone defined by the 1974 agreement.
"We would like to return to a situation where UNDOF was the only military contingent in the zone of separation," Lacroix said, calling recent US-brokered talks between Israel and Syria "positive."
He also stressed the importance of UN mine action in Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories as a whole, saying the needs were "enormous" and calling for increased donor support.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 16, 2026 UN
The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: The UN Secretary-General has arrived in London, families across Ukraine are in "survival mode" amid severe cold, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has called for help for the Sudanese, and the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity is coming into force.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in London today to participate in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first meeting of the UN General Assembly, which took place in the British capital in 1946. Guterres met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer today. They discussed the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Sudan, and UN reform. The Secretary-General also held a discussion with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, focusing on the role of cities in the fight against climate change.
Families across Ukraine are in "survival mode" amid ongoing Russian attacks, leaving entire neighborhoods without power—sometimes for days—while temperatures plunge to freezing temperatures. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported this on Friday. UNICEF representative Munir Mammadzade said families are stuffing their windows with stuffed animals to keep out the cold. In Kyiv, the temperature dropped to -15 degrees Celsius on Friday, and even colder temperatures are expected next week, both outside and in homes without heating.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih today emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the war in Sudan, including Sudanese refugees in Chad. During his visit to the country, he stated that the UN Refugee Agency and its partners are working to expand support, including providing shelter, food, water, and medical services to displaced people. Salih called on the international community to increase funding for humanitarian operations in Sudan and Chad.
The agreement was adopted in June 2023. Since then, 145 countries have signed it, and more than 80 have officially ratified it. The agreement significantly strengthens the legal framework for the protection of two-thirds of the world's oceans. In his message on the occasion of the document's entry into force, the head of the UN called it a historic moment for people and the planet.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 16, 2026 Peace and security
The Republic of Moldova has opened a new headquarters in Chisinau for its Passenger Information Unit, which operates within the General Inspectorate of Border Police. This will strengthen the country's capacity to detect and combat cross-border crimes, including human trafficking.
The project is supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Counter Terrorism Programme.
"The opening of the Passenger Information Unit headquarters is an important step in strengthening the state's ability to anticipate risks and ensure the safety of citizens," said Interior Minister Daniela Misail-Nikitin.
“We are investing in modern infrastructure, digital tools, and well-trained specialists to ensure that decisions are based on accurate data and that government responses are swift and coordinated,” she added.
The unit brings together key services under one roof, allowing for faster alert assessment and action. The unit includes experts from the Moldovan Border Police, National Police, Customs Service, and the Security and Intelligence Service.
"This not only enhances national security and institutional resilience, but also reflects Moldova's compliance with EU accession principles," said IOM Representative in Moldova Esther Ruiz de Azua.
The unit is equipped with cutting-edge UN software and boasts enhanced operational and technical capabilities for collecting, analyzing, and rapidly responding to passenger data. Moldova is the seventh country to implement this system, following Norway, Luxembourg, Botswana, Georgia, the Philippines, and Mongolia.
The UN Terrorist Travel Prevention Programme assists states in managing passenger information in accordance with international standards, privacy laws, and human rights principles. It is implemented under the auspices of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Ecology Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Caring for nature isn't always a big, complicated thing. It often starts with the things we use every day. ❤ We designed the foundation's merchandise to encourage people to make eco-friendly choices again and again.
Take your coffee to go and avoid disposable cups. Less waste every day and discounts at many coffee shops for ordering your own mug.
Shoppers can be used instead of disposable plastic bags. Convenient, durable, stylish, and meaningful.
Water bottleTo avoid buying disposable bottles and always have water on hand.
By purchasing merch, you support the foundation's projects. All proceeds go to environmental work and helping wildlife.
Click to view and purchase our merch.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 15, 2026 Human rights
An emergency meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Iran opened in New York on Thursday. It was convened at the initiative of the United States in response to reports from Iran of a violent crackdown on mass protests that began in December.
All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear, Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobi said at a UN Security Council meeting.
She recalled that the UN chief had previously expressed deep concern over reports of excessive use of force against protesters in Iran. The UN emphasizes the need to respect the rights of the country's residents to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
According to the latest reports, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people have been killed in Iran, where mass protests continue unabated. The UN has no way to confirm these figures, Pobi noted. All deaths must be investigated, and those responsible brought to justice, she emphasized.
Human rights activists report numerous arrests across the country. By mid-January 2026, the number of detainees is estimated to have exceeded 18,000.
"We call on the authorities to respect the right to due process and a fair trial for all those detained. Everyone must be treated humanely," Pobi said. She called on Iran's leadership not to use the death penalty in response to the protests.
According to Pobi, the UN notes with alarm "various public statements suggesting possible military strikes against Iran."
"This external factor adds instability to an already explosive situation," she said, calling for maximum restraint.
"The Secretary-General remains convinced that all concerns regarding Iran, including those related to the nuclear issue and the ongoing protests, are best addressed through diplomacy and dialogue," Pobi added.
The UN reminds of the need to refrain from any actions that could lead to further loss of life or provoke a wider regional escalation.
"What is needed now is real and concrete action to hold accountable those who order the massacres in Iran," Alinejad said.
"The voices of millions of innocent, unarmed Iranians have been silenced by bullets, mass arrests, detentions, and a complete communications blackout—no internet, no mobile phones, no landlines. Iran is plunged into complete darkness," Alinejad added.
"I am here to bring their voices to this room," she emphasized. "I am here to tell you that brutal atrocities are taking place in my beloved homeland, Iran."
Meanwhile, Iranian-American journalist and human rights activist Ahmad Batebi told UN Security Council members how Iranian authorities arrested him for participating in a protest during his student years. He claimed he was tortured in custody and forced to "confess" on camera that he was a paid American spy.
"The situation in Iran is exactly the same now," he emphasized. "Many innocent people are taking to the streets demanding their rights, and the Iranian regime is filming them and claiming they are Mossad agents."
US Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz thanked the human rights activists who spoke out for their courage.
"The level of violence and the level of repression that the Iranian regime has unleashed against its citizens and its own people has implications for international peace and security," he said.
According to Waltz, "despite attempts to justify itself, the regime itself is responsible for the economic suffering of the Iranian people" and "will be held accountable."
In addition to gross human rights violations and the "illegal" development of a nuclear weapons program, the US representative recalled the explosion of his country's embassy in Beirut and also stated that Iran's partners and proxies "destabilized the Middle East" by funding Hezbollah and the Houthis and supporting the "brutal Assad regime."
"Iranians are fed up," he said, emphasizing that it was "the regime's disregard for its citizens" that had put the ayatollahs in their current position.
Since late December, the entire world has been watching as the United States continues to escalate tensions and fuel hysteria around Iran, claiming that "help is already on the way," said Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN. According to him, "in its official statements, Washington has not even attempted to camouflage the true reasons for its so-called 'concerns' about the domestic political situation in the country, threatening new strikes against Iran."
"Today's meeting, convened by our American colleagues, is nothing more than yet another attempt to justify blatant aggression and interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. And if the Iranian authorities, as Washington puts it, don't 'come to their senses,' then they will resolve the Iranian problem in their favorite way: by launching strikes to overthrow the 'undesirable regime,'" Nebenzya added.
Chinese diplomat Sun Lei stated that the United States is openly threatening to use force against Iran. He emphasized that China consistently upholds the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and that the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs are the "fundamental norms" of international relations. He argued that the use of force never resolves problems, and military adventures could push the region toward catastrophe.
Sun Lei added that "an obsession with force" and "arbitrary interference" only breed conflict and hatred. "Any action that violates international law is unacceptable," the diplomat emphasized.
Archibald Young, Britain's permanent representative to the UN, said his country was "appalled" by reports that thousands of people may have been killed and many more arrested in Iran in what he called the worst crackdown on public protests in decades.
"Despite the regime's near-total internet shutdown, videos coming out of Iran suggest that these reports may even underestimate the true scale of the horror now unfolding there," he said, adding that "the regime will claim that these protests were instigated by foreign-backed forces, but lies and propaganda cannot justify its actions."
"Let me make it clear again and again: we condemn the regime's actions in the strongest possible terms," he emphasized. "We pay tribute to the courage of the Iranian people, especially Iranian women. Once again, they boldly declare their desire to live in freedom and dignity, despite repression and violence."
The material is being updated…
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 15, 2026 International law
The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the "illegal entry by Israeli authorities" on January 12, 2026, into a United Nations facility in occupied East Jerusalem—the UNRWA medical center—and the order to temporarily close it. This was stated in a statement released Thursday by the UN Secretary-General's press office.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) medical center in Jerusalem serves hundreds of Palestinians daily and, for most, is their only source of primary healthcare. The UN emphasizes that its closure directly threatens people's access to vital healthcare services.
The statement noted that these actions followed the seizure by Israeli authorities UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah area, and also after the Knesset adopted the law on the termination of UNRWA activities in the territory of the State of Israel and amendments to it.
On 8 January 2026, the Secretary-General expressed his grave concern to the Prime Minister of Israel and brought the situation to the attention of the President of the General Assembly and the President of the UN Security Council.
The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the news that UNRWA has been notified of the imminent cessation of electricity and water supplies to several of its facilities in occupied East Jerusalem. Such steps, the statement emphasizes, could have grave humanitarian consequences.
The UN regrets that the Israeli authorities continue to take actions inconsistent with their obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. These measures violate the principle of the inviolability of UN premises and impede the implementation of the General Assembly's clear mandate to continue UNRWA's operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
The statement recalls that, as recently confirmed, International Court of Justice, any executive, administrative, judicial or legislative action with respect to the property and assets of the United Nations is prohibited by the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to take immediate steps to restore the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah and the UNRWA Medical Centre in Jerusalem, and to ensure the continued supply of essential public services to all Agency facilities.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow metro:
Six trains were dedicated to regions of Russia: 1) Novgorod Oblast; 2) Oryol Oblast; 3) Tula Oblast; 4) Vologda Oblast; 5) the Republic of Karelia; 6) the Far Eastern Federal District.
The Moscow metro will launch 57 themed trains in 2025.
The following organizations celebrated their anniversaries: 1) 80 years of Rosatom; 2) 65 years of RUDN University; 3) 35 years of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations; 4) 10 years of the MATCH TV channel.
We launched programs dedicated to government services: 1) "My Documents" (MFC); 2) Emergency Medical Care.
Moreover, a train was launched for Animation Day featuring characters from the cartoons "Smeshariki," "The Fixies," and "Finnick."
You can also catch the "Olympic Express" in the metro. Inside, you'll learn about traditional sports and those recently added to the Games program, such as surfing, skateboarding, and golf.
This year, the Moscow Metro also launched 24 festive New Year's trains.
"We strive to ensure that travel for passengers is not only comfortable but also engaging. In 2025, we launched 57 themed trains. They were dedicated to Russian regions, organizations, important social projects, and anniversaries. These trains also included 24 decorated New Year's trains. We strive to ensure that travel for passengers is not only comfortable but also engaging," said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 15, 2026 UN
The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN Secretary-General outlined priorities for 2026, resources for food aid in Sudan are dwindling, the UN welcomes the launch of the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan, and the International Court of Justice continues its hearings on the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.
On Thursday Antonio Guterres for the last time as UN Secretary-General, he presented his views to the General Assembly priorities for the year, pledging to use "every day of 2026" to advance a more just and secure world. Reforms, according to the UN chief, are "much more than just numbers on a spreadsheet." He continued, they are about institutions that reflect the modern world. The Secretary-General also identified three fundamental principles that should underpin all the work of the global organization: unconditional commitment to the UN Charter, a just world, and unity in a time of division.
Sudan has been in a brutal conflict for over 1,000 days. The country is experiencing the world's largest famine and the largest displacement of populations. World Food Programme (WFP) staff continue to provide aid to civilians, but the organization's resources are depleted. Due to funding shortages, WFP cannot carry out its operations at the required scale. The World Food Programme requires $700 million to continue its activities in Sudan for the next six months.
The January 14 announcement of the launch of Phase II of US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan—including the creation of a transitional technocratic Palestinian Authority in the enclave and a National Governance Committee for Gaza—is a significant step, according to a statement issued today by the UN chief's press office. António Guterres emphasized that all efforts must be based on relevant UN resolutions and international law. in a separate statement The Secretary-General condemned the January 12 incursion by Israeli forces into the UNRWA medical center in East Jerusalem, as well as the subsequent order to temporarily close the facility. The UN chief regrets that Israeli authorities continue to take actions that violate their obligations under international law. Guterres called on the Israeli government to take immediate steps to return and restore UNRWA premises.
The International Court of Justice continued its hearings on Thursday in the case brought by Gambia, which accuses Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya peopleMyanmar denies deliberately persecuting the Rohingya, claiming the army was conducting counterinsurgency operations. The Gambia v. Myanmar case is already historic, as it marks the first time the International Court of Justice is hearing a claim brought by a state that has not itself suffered the alleged crime.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
